Retiring A64 backup computer, need mobo/cpu upgrade advice.

[Jhatfie]

I have decided to upgrage our family computer, it is a socket 754 3000+ that has served us perfectly for years. But the AGP mobo is long in the tooth and it is choppy in modern games with the vanilla geforce 6600. So I have deemed it time to upgrade, but of course want to do it fairly cheap. Added bonus is that it leaves the door open for upgrading my gaming rig and moving it's various parts downstream to the family computer.

Only new pieces purchased so far:
Memory - 2GB Mushkin DDR800 4-4-4-12
PSU - CoolerMaster Real Power 650W

Most likely getting:
VideoCard - ATI HD3850

Option 1: Purchase a e6420 and run it in my current Abit AB9 Quad GT mobo for my gaming rig (good since I will not need to rebuild it and spend 2 days reloading games). Transition my current e4300 to the family rig, pick up a Gigabyte DS3L or DFI BloodIron-T2RL P35 to place it in. Mobo and cpu cost - $295-305

Option 2: Grab a e6750 and a Abit IP35 Pro for my gaming rig and move my Quad GT and e4300 to the family rig, but does involve rebuilding two rigs. Mobo and cpu cost - $355(Could maybe sub IP35 Pro for DFI LP DK P35-T2R or maybe a MSI P35 Neo2-FR to shave off a 20-50$$ but I am really keen on the Abit)

Option 3: Or go really cheap and just get a tried and true A64 X2 4000+ and a MSI K9A2 and keep on using my e4300 in my gaming rig. Mobo and cpu cost - $150
Option 3 1/2: Just get e4500 for $125, grab a Gigabyte DS3L for $89 and stick which ever cpu clocks better on my gaming machine. Mobo and cpu cost - $214

Any other hardware ideas or options? Looking to keep the mobo/cpu combo in at around $300-ish

 

[imported_Scoop]

If your E4300 runs at 3.2Ghz, it's a waste of money to buy a new CPU for your gaming rig. HD3850 will be bottlenecking that anyhow in games.

Just go as cheap as you can for the 'family rig'. E2140 OC'ed and a cheap P35 motherboard and you're done.

 

[Jhatfie]

I actually have a 8800GT for my gaming rig OC'd to 730/2100. The HD3850 would be for the family rig.

 

[imported_Scoop]

I'd still say you don't benefit substantially of upgrading that CPU.

Your signature system is out of date then. It says you have a 7900GT.

 

[Jhatfie]

Decided on Option 3 1/2: Bought a e4500 for $120, grabbed a Gigabyte DS3L for $89 and a HD3850 for $165. Add in the 2GB of 4-4-4-12 Mushkin for $40 and a pretty inexpensive upgrade for the family computer for only $415.

Now to see if I can offset some of the cost by selling off the old stuff. Doubt I can get much considering the out of date nature, but I am sure I can get something.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Where did you get the DS3L for $89?